New Delhi, May 14, 2025: The Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed that Runway 28/10 at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport will be closed for 90 days starting June 15, 2025. The decision was made to upgrade its Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III B and extend its lighting system, aiming to enhance landing capabilities during low-visibility winter conditions.
The move comes after an unsuccessful attempt in April 2025, which had to be reversed due to massive flight delays. To prevent a repeat, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with representatives from airlines, Airports Authority of India (AAI), DGCA, and Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL).
“Airlines must begin planning flight cancellations in advance to avoid the kind of chaos witnessed last month,” said a senior official present at the meeting. The runway upgrade is scheduled during a relatively lean travel period to minimize impact.
What Happened in April?
On April 8, Runway 28/10 was closed for similar upgrades. However, due to poor coordination among stakeholders and the absence of mandated service reductions, IGI Airport’s other three runways failed to manage the average 1,400 daily flights. The situation quickly deteriorated with thunderstorms worsening delays, forcing authorities to reopen the runway prematurely.
This time, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai have reportedly emphasized stricter oversight to ensure compliance with planned adjustments. The lighting system on the runway will be extended from 650 to 900 meters as part of the upgrade.
Impact on Passengers
- Expect limited flight availability to/from Delhi between June 15–September 15.
- Airlines are likely to publish revised schedules in the coming weeks.
- Travelers are advised to check their flight status and plan alternative travel if needed.
The aviation ministry has also asked airlines to propose additional mitigation measures, including early passenger notifications and inter-terminal coordination.
Why This Matters
With Delhi weather already causing travel disruptions this month, better foresight is essential. This long-overdue upgrade will help improve Delhi Airport’s winter readiness, reducing the chances of fog-related delays by the end of the year.
Looking Ahead
As India’s busiest airport, IGI’s smooth functioning is vital to both domestic and international aviation. With the economy under pressure and tourism rebounding post-pandemic, strategic infrastructure upgrades like this are critical.
Stay tuned for airline-specific advisories and updates as the June 15 deadline approaches.
